getaway
GET-uh-way
/ˈɡɛtəweɪ/
A short holiday or a place where one goes for a short holiday.
Often implies a quick escape from a busy routine or a stressful environment.
The story behind the word. A simple English compound. It originally referred to an escape from captivity (like a 'getaway car' in a heist) before it became a popular term for a relaxing vacation in the mid-20th century.
Word relationships
- escape: Escape is more dramatic; getaway is the standard term for a recreational trip.
- staycation: A staycation involves staying at home rather than 'getting away'.
Commonly confused with
- vacation: A vacation can be long; a getaway is typically short and focused on 'escaping' routine.
Collocations
- romantic getaway
- weekend getaway
- quick getaway
Idioms & expressions
- make a getaway
Example sentences
- "The couple booked a romantic weekend getaway to the mountains to celebrate their anniversary." Planning a weekend trip.
- "The island is the perfect getaway for those looking to unplug from technology." Describing a location.
Memory hook
You literally 'get' yourself 'away' from your problems. Getting away from it all.
When not to use
Not suitable for a formal business trip or a long-term relocation.
Fun facts
- The term 'getaway' only started being used for vacations around the 1940s.
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